Hands-on Firefighting Workshop for Women

Women who are curious about a career in the Fire Service are invited to participate in an introductory hands-on firefighting workshop at the JIBC Fire & Safety Division, Maple Ridge Campus.

Participants will be introduced to essential skills that are needed to become a firefighter from career female firefighters who are currently serving in Lower Mainland Fire Departments. Participants will also be able to speak with various fire departments representatives to discover what it takes to become a firefighter.

Minimum age to participate is 16. Cost is $25. Lunch will be provided and participants will also receive a JIBC t-shirt. As the workshop will involve strenuous physical activity, participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottle and dress in appropriate active wear.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience along with important information needed to pursue an exciting career as a firefighter!

The JIBC Fire & Safety Division and The JIBC Foundation would like to thank Jessica Roberts for supporting this initiative in the memory of her sister Jocelyn, a pioneering Richmond firefighter and Captain.

School/Career Counsellor Resources:

Workshop Instructors

Jennifer Dawkins began her career with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services in 2000. Currently she hold the rank of acting Lieutenant. During her career she has been involved in many specialties including Hazardous Materials, Heavy Rescue, Heavy Urban Search & Rescue. Aside from specialties she is a First Responder Instructor Trainer, a Neighborhood Emergency Response Team Instructor and a Fire and Life Safety Instructor. She is also a member of VFRS recruitment and Outreach team. In her spare time she can be found cycling, doing yoga and learning dog agility with her German Shepherd.

Kathy Ius has been a career firefighter in New Westminster since 2001. Over the course of her career, she has been trained in most all disciplines that has included among others, Technical Rope Rescue and Hazmat Operations. In addition, Kathy is a Lead First Responder Instructor, has worked extensively in Community Outreach, Fire & Life Safety Education, and Emergency Management and Preparedness. In 2015, she became the first female Officer in New Westminster and is now in the role of Acting Captain. Kathy is a member of the Union Executive in the role of Recording Secretary. In addition to Union activities, she is also highly involved in Charitable Society endeavors.

Mary Foster is an Acting Lieutenant with Maple Ridge Fire Rescue and has been a firefighter with Maple Ridge since 2004. She is a First Responder Instructor and evaluator, driving instructor, Peer Fitness Trainer and Health Coach. Instructs the Youth Academy and does public education. She is trained in all aspects of firefighting, auto extrication and technical rescues, including: swift water, technical rope rescue, confined space and hazmat. She has been actively involved in the Maple Ridge Honour Guard since 2005, Burn Camp since 2008, Camp Ignite since 2014, and participates in charity events and fundraising throughout the year. In her spare time she instructs fire recruits at the JIBC, trains her three dogs in agility, does yoga and renovates her house.